HOME IMPROVEMENTS: JACKSON COMPANY STAYS BUSY; LINCOLN & MCBRIDE HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 45 YEARS

JACKSON, Mo. -- It only takes one bright, sunny and warm spring day to bring in business at Lincoln & McBride Paint and Aluminum Co. in Jackson.

Once warm weather arrives, people are ready to start remodeling and renovation projects around the house, the paint company's owner, Doug Kaminskey, said.

"I think people get out and see what needs to be done," he said.

Business has been phenomenal for the company during the past four years because of growth and housing sales in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

"With a drop in interest rates and housing is up, then more people are ready to remodel," Kaminskey said. "That's the niche we try to fill."

Some people are looking for new homes, while others are moving into homes that need updating. Lincoln & McBride can handle dozens of remodeling projects from wallpapering or painting a room, installing replacement windows, to adding screen and sun rooms or putting up new siding.

The business is split between window installations and siding work, he said.

The work is done year-round as long as temperatures are above freezing.

"When it's really cold, you can't work in that weather," he said.

What work is done depends on a customer's request. Some people want to buy windows and have them installed, others prefer to purchase the materials and do the work themselves. The company carries supplies for painting projects and wallpaper installation.

"It depends on what their budget allows," Kaminskey said.

The addition of a sun room or screen room, built with an insulated roof, long-lasting boardwalk surface and storm windows can add versatility to a home, Kaminskey said.

In search of easy living

"It's a way to add more living space to your house at a fairly low cost," he said. Most of the rooms can be added for $3,500 or more, depending on custom requests and size.

Most customers are looking for ways to make their homes maintenance free and energy efficient, Kaminskey said.

"The windows are the most energy efficient and are the best for what you can recoup if you are replacing drafty, old windows."

The company sells garden view windows with an extra depth for growing plants indoors or seeing outside to the garden. The windows can be custom made for any size.

Lincoln & McBride has been in business for 45 years but only recently moved to 1325 Old Cape Road. The new space allowed the company to expand its showroom and retail space, and space for storage.

There are seven people employed by the company, five of whom work on siding, window installment and other projects.

At a glance

Lincoln & McBride Paint and Aluminum Co.

1325 Old Cape Road

Jackson, Mo.

Number of employees: 7

Years in business: 45

What the company does:

* Installs replacement windows

* Repairs window and door screens

* Installs siding, shutters and awnings

* Installs sun and screen rooms for additional living space

* Sells wallpaper, painting supplies